In a bustling city like Singapore, where modernity seamlessly blends with tradition, there are instances that serve as a poignant reminder of the need for greater accessibility. The story of Mr. Lim, a 63-year-old cleaner, highlights the challenges faced by elderly individuals and those with impaired mobility as they navigate their daily lives.
A Daunting Climb
According to Shin Min Daily News, every day, Mr. Lim embarks on a journey that most of us would find physically taxing, if not impossible.
A journey that involves scaling an overhead bridge along Bedok Reservoir Road, a route he must traverse to reach his workplace. This bridge, seemingly innocuous to many, presents a daunting challenge for him and others like him.
The overhead bridge that separates Mr. Lim’s home from his workplace consists of a staggering 132 steps, according to a Shin Min reporter who counted the steps. To put this into perspective, it’s akin to climbing six floors of an HDB (Housing and Development Board) building.
Struggles
Mr. Lim, with the weariness that comes with age, shared his story. He resides at Blk 615 Bedok Reservoir Road and works at a factory located opposite the bridge. Although he has been climbing this bridge for many years, advancing age and a recent diagnosis of osteoporosis have turned this daily ritual into a challenging endeavor.
It takes him approximately 20 minutes to cross the bridge, and he acknowledges that he endures this physically demanding task for his livelihood.
Mr. Lim is not alone in his plight. Another cleaner, 60-year-old Ho, revealed that she, too, has to climb this formidable bridge to reach her workplace.
Living in Yishun, she chose her job, believing it was conveniently located near the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). To her dismay, she discovered that the bridge presented an obstacle for older individuals.
A Younger Resident’s Perspective
In contrast, a younger resident, Song, aged 33, views the bridge as a form of exercise. He admits that, while he can manage the climb, he recognizes the difficulties it poses for the elderly and those with physical impairments.
The issue extends further to encompass wheelchair-bound individuals who are denied access to this bridge due to its lack of accessibility features.
The bridge is a vital connection between Bedok Reservoir Road and Chai Chee Lane, and its absence would mean an arduous and time-consuming bus journey for pedestrians.
LTA response
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) spokesperson stated that they are actively evaluating the feasibility of installing a lift at this location.
While they have already constructed slopes for bicycle and wheelchair users, the cost of building a lift for overhead bridges is a significant consideration.
Therefore, they prioritize such installations in areas with a higher concentration of elderly residents and individuals with mobility challenges, particularly those near hospitals.
LTA’s decisions regarding lifts are also influenced by community feedback. The agency has already taken steps to improve accessibility by installing lifts at 83 pedestrian overhead bridges, and are planning another 24 lift installations by 2025.